<< For maintaining great dignity when personally attacked in the Oval Office >>
WHY IT MATTERS
Trump has removed as many challenging press from the Oval Office as he possibly can. Visiting him there has become an act of courage in itself given that he loves to force world leaders into a position in which they either agree with the lies he promotes or risk the sort of treatment experienced by the elder of a war torn country that was attacked unilaterally by Russia. Before his visit, Zelensky had to tolerate being accused of causing the war in Ukraine - an absurd claim by someone who is either very naive or who supports Russia for some other reason. Either reason is very concerning - given that Russia state TV is constantly discussing means of destroying America!
Zelensky refused in the most diplomatic way possible to accept Trumps claim that Europe had not contributed as much as America. What was he to do? Show a lack of gratitude for another ally who has not wavered in their support of Ukraine?
And why did trump not show his toys out of the pram when, in the same week, both President Macron (France) and Prime Minister Stamer (UK) also refuted those lies?
Trump was playing power games with the leader of a ravaged country who have supported American campaigns in recent decades - at a time when they need support.
He also falsely gives the impression that America will not be affected by the war in Ukraine - either underlying Trumps total ignorance of geopolitics or something again more nefarious.
It is undoubtable that Zelensky was lured into a trap - one in which JD Vance showed a complete lack of moral fortitude in attacking Zelensky (already set up by Marjorie Taylor Green's boyfriend - who knowingly won a wink from Trump for his disgusting question).
This was a turning point for many of us in recognising that the entire administration are rotten - supporting behaviours that would never have been deemed acceptable in any past administration.
Only a few short weeks later, Trump was forced to recognise - during Pope Francis' funeral - how Zelensky is viewed with great International respect - achieving a spontaneous round of applause on his arrival which likely sickened Trump.
Of course, there will always be some people who see bullying as a show of power. These people are impotent - and choose to attack who they see as easy targets rather than the problems they fear.
Thankfully, most of us recognise that bullying is a clear display of weakness. Those of us who choose to behave kindly and without prejudice have more power than some thugs realise - even though history demonstrates that we always win. That is because injustice is a powerful motivator and kind people are more intelligent. Even without empathy, the more intelligent in society choose kindness - because they understand that the effort required to consider the care of others is effort well worth the investment.
